Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Hamilton?

Yes. Trees meeting the protected threshold (45 cm (Ancaster), 15 cm (Dundas), woodlots only (Stoney Creek)) require a permit before removal. Dead trees may be exempt. Confirm with the city's urban forestry department before proceeding.

How long does a tree permit take in Hamilton?

Processing time in Hamilton is typically Varies by area and application type. Submitting a complete ISA-certified arborist report with your application reduces the chance of delays.

What is the penalty for removing a tree without a permit in Hamilton?

Fines in Hamilton range Up to $10,000 (individuals); $100,000+ (corporations). The city can also require replanting at the owner's expense.

Service Area

Arborist Reports in Hamilton

Tree removal permits and construction arborist reports for City of Hamilton. ISA Certified reports accepted by the municipality.

Varies by area: 45 cm (Ancaster), 15 cm (Dundas), woodlots only (Stoney Creek). No bylaw in most of former City of Hamilton

protected tree threshold

2 days

report turnaround

14+

GTA municipalities served

Tree Bylaws in Hamilton

Hamilton does not have a single, unified private tree bylaw. Instead, the city inherited a patchwork of pre-amalgamation bylaws when the former municipalities merged in 2001. The rules that apply to your property depend entirely on which part of Hamilton you live in.

Ancaster protects private trees 45 cm and larger. Dundas has one of the lowest thresholds in the region at just 15 cm. Stoney Creek has regulations for woodlots in the Escarpment area. Flamborough and Glanbrook did not have private tree bylaws before amalgamation and still do not. Most of the former City of Hamilton, including the lower city, the Mountain, and large parts of the east end, also has no private tree bylaw.

The city does have an Urban Woodland By-law (14-212) that protects woodlands of 0.2 hectares or more within the urban boundary. And properties within the Niagara Escarpment plan area are subject to Escarpment Commission rules regardless of which former municipality they fall in. This patchwork makes it hard to know what applies to your property. We help property owners figure out which rules are in play and prepare the documentation each jurisdiction requires.

Hamilton Tree Bylaw at a Glance

Minimum Diameter

Varies by area: 45 cm (Ancaster), 15 cm (Dundas), woodlots only (Stoney Creek). No bylaw in most of former City of Hamilton

Permit Fee

Free (most areas); $750 for development TPP

Processing Time

Varies by area

Penalty

Up to $10,000 (individuals); $100,000+ (corporations)

Special Zones

Niagara Escarpment plan area, Conservation Authority lands, Heritage Trees in Ancaster, Urban Woodlands 0.2ha+

View official bylaw

Bylaw details verified 2026-03-23.

Before starting tree work in Hamilton

Check the Hamilton permit portal before any tree work begins. Bylaw requirements change, and fines for unpermitted removal start at Up to $10,000 (individuals); $100,000+ (corporations).

What Hamilton Clients Say

We had no idea that Ancaster has its own tree bylaw separate from Hamilton proper. The arborist figured out which rules applied to our property near the heritage district, filed the right application, and we got approval without a fine we didn't even know we were risking.

New build, Ancaster

Our construction site near Dundas Peak had trees that fell under both the Dundas bylaw and the Escarpment Commission rules. They prepared one report that satisfied both authorities, which saved us from filing two separate assessments.

Subdivision, Dundas

We needed root pruning near a large tree off Upper James before pouring a new garage pad. The arborist supervised on-site and documented everything for the city. No issues with the urban woodland bylaw.

Garage build, Hamilton Mountain